12. Faye
My cheeks hurt from laughing as I drop down a wild draw four card onto the stack of UNO cards in the center of the table. I hesitate for a moment as I look my hand over, then quickly add, “I choose red.”
“You’ve got to be kiddin’ me!” Mark winces as he picks up another four cards and adds them to the collection he’s acquiring in his hand. “The three of you must be ganging up on me.”
“Do you need a card holder like us, Papa? I can help you look for one,” Josh asks without an ounce of malice or sarcasm.
Oh, my heart! These boys are the sweetest.
I’ve always loved being around kids and consider myself to be an amazing aunt to my nieces and nephews.
It doesn’t hit often, but at times like this, I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like if I’d had some of my own.
Maybe if I hadn’t been so focused on my career, things would’ve been different.
Then again, that ship sailed years ago, I quickly remind myself.
“I’m doing just fine, kiddo. But thanks,” Mark snarks playfully, effectively drawing me out of my thoughts as he organizes the cards into his growing pile.
The boys each have their own card holder so they can keep track of their cards, with their hands being so tiny.
I’d never even heard of such a thing, but when Mark pulled them out with the deck of UNO cards, I was impressed.
If only something like this had been around when I was growing up.
There’s no way either of the boys could hold as many cards as Mark has in his hands.
Jason lays down a red three and shouts, “UNO!”
“Are you kiddin’ me?” Mark protests. “I swear, you two are using your twin powers to beat me tonight. Just look at all these cards!”
The boys give each other a knowing look and beam with pride.
Looking at my three cards, I secretly hope Josh keeps the color as red so I can unload at least one more of them before this game is over.
When he places a red seven, I let out the breath I didn’t know I’d been holding and place the red Skip card down, then glance to see Mark’s reaction.
He doesn’t disappoint.
“Looks like they’re not the only ones out to get me,” Mark grumbles, but when his eyes meet mine, they’re full of mirth.
This earns him more hoots and hollers from the rest of us. Once the boys start laughing, it’s infectious—hence my sore cheeks.
He warned me when we started that they play cutthroat, so no going easy on the boys—and he meant it.
I’ve done my best to bring my A game. For a while, I thought Mark would pull off the win, but then I kept drawing Draw Fours, and when Josh reversed the playing order, Mark’s been blessed with every last one of them.
I’d almost feel sorry for him if he hadn’t dumped them on me to begin with.
Karma is real, and to my utter delight, Mark’s feeling it about now.
When Jason draws, because he’s apparently out of red, we all breathe a sigh of relief, and the playing continues.
When it’s my turn, I’m forced to draw, as well.
“ If this game ever ends,” Mark emphasizes as he finally gets to play a card, “are you ready for s’mores?”
“Yes!” Jason and Josh both shout excitedly at once.
“After you each get one , if you come in and take a bath, I’ll let you watch a movie before bed.”
“Can we watch Cars ?” Jason looks wide-eyed at Josh, who nods fervently.
“As long as you don’t flood my bathroom first,” Mark chortles.
Both boys shake their heads profusely.
But Josh suggests, “Maybe if we take a shower, we can watch more of the movie. Momma makes us shower when we’re in a hurry.”
Mark catches my eye and grimaces. “Always the negotiator, this one.” But instead of answering the question, he says, “Let’s focus on finishing this game so we can get to those s’mores.”
Before I know it, Josh lays down the last card, and the game ends.
As Mark gathers the cards, I place my hand on his and offer, “Let me. Go start the fire. My sweet tooth is aching, and I’ve heard you make some of the best s’mores.”
“You shouldn’t eat sweets if your tooth aches,” Jason advises, his voice filled with concern.
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” I gasp at my mistake. I should have known better. Of course, he’d take it literally. “That’s not what I meant. I was just teasing your papa. He knows I’ve always had a weakness for anything chocolate.”
When Jason eyes me speculatively, Mark jumps to my defense. “Yeah, buddy, it’s a figure of speech. Her teeth are just fine, I’m sure.”
My heart sputters when Mark reaches under the table to squeeze my leg in assurance, before he adds, “Who wants to help gather the kindling?”
That’s all it takes for both boys to shoot out of their seats and head for the mudroom where they’ve left their shoes. The second we’re alone, Mark leans in and brushes a quick kiss on my lips, leaving me breathless.
“Been dying to do that since the mailbox,” he whispers.
“Papa, you ready?” one of the boys shouts from the other room.
If I had to guess, I’d bet it was Josh by the tone, but I can’t be sure.
“Can we go outside?” the other one asks.
“Yes, but stay inside the yard,” Mark warns. “I’ll be right out.”
Leaning in to rest his forehead against mine, he whispers, “Thank you so much for being here tonight.”
“Why are you thanking me? I’ve been fed and am having the best time. It should be me who’s thanking you .”
“The kids will be in bed within the hour or two, tops. Wanna watch a movie of our own after they fall asleep?”
“I could be persuaded, especially if you feed me chocolate and keep looking at me like that.”
“Oh, if they weren’t here, I’d be having you for dessert instead, Faye.”
Before I can respond, the back door flings open and, “Papa, we’re ready!” fills the room.
“Be right out.” With a wink, he adds, “I’m grabbing the sweets now.”
Without another word, he stands from the table, walks to the pantry, and grabs something from the very top shelf. Returning, he reaches for my hand and whispers so only I can hear, “Since I can’t feast on you again tonight, you ready for your consolation prize, sweetheart?”
Heat floods through me, and my need for this man grows beyond measure.